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Could your hands be showing signs of underlying health conditions?

Changes in the way your hands look and feel could be symptoms of a range of illnesses

22/05/2020

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could your hands be showing signs of underlying health conditions?

jane garton

Very dry skin on the hands can be a sign of an under-active thyroid

Very dry skin on the hands can be a sign of an under-active thyroid

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Believe it or not, the way your hands look and feel can reveal many hidden problems, from poor circulation to liver disease.

They’re often the first part of our bodies to show signs of ageing, but small changes in our hands, such as red palms or dry skin, can offer clues to a lot more besides. ‘They can be a useful indication of subtle or maybe more serious medical changes going on elsewhere,’ explains GP Dr Wendy Denning, of The Health Doctors practice in London.

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Cold hands

What cold hands could mean

Though usually a sign of poor circulation, chilly hands can also be a symptom of low blood pressure, an underactive thyroid or Raynaud’s disease. ‘They may indicate stress, too, as the heart is pumping blood to other areas of the body where need is greater,’ says Dr Denning.

What to do about cold hands

If your thyroid isn’t functioning well – something that often happens as we get older – you may also experience tiredness, weight gain, depression and even heart problems. Doctors usually prescribe a drug called levothyroxine to counteract this, but it’s vital to eat a healthy diet, including selenium, a trace element that is found in Brazil nuts, seeds, lentils and shellfish, and can also be taken in supplement form.

Red palms

What red palms could mean

‘These are a classic sign of liver damage, especially in the over-50s,’ explains Dr Denning. Called palmar erythema, the redness usually affects the outer edge of the palms in a band from the wrist to the little finger. The exact cause is unknown but is thought to be due to blood vessels dilating as a result of changes in hormone balance. Red palms can also be a sign of an overactive thyroid or rheumatoid arthritis.

What to do about red palms

Medical help is essential if liver disease is the culprit, and it’s vital to cut out alcohol, take regular exercise and switch to a healthy diet. Liver problems can be linked to zinc and other nutrient deficiencies, so seek advice on taking a supplement.

Sweaty palms

What sweaty palms could mean

These can be a sign of stress or, again, an overactive thyroid, which causes the body to heat up. But they may also be a result of too much alcohol, or hyperhidrosis – aka excess sweating – which tends to run in families.

What to do about sweaty palms

For hyperhidrosis, try strong antiperspirants such as Odaban Antiperspirant Spray, available on prescription or over the counter (around £10). Iontophoresis, which involves placing the hands in a water tray through which a weak electric current is passed, works for 70-80% of sufferers (ask your GP for more information). Botox or medication can be effective, too.

Dry skin

What dry skin on your hands could mean

Very dry skin on the hands can be a sign of an underactive thyroid. Women’s skin also tends to dry out as levels of oestrogen drop after the menopause. Dryness could also be a sign of essential fatty acid deficiency or dehydration.

What to do about dry skin on your hands

HRT can address oestrogen deficiency. Make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If you need more essential fatty acids, put oily fish, nuts and seeds on the menu and consider taking a supplement, such as Holland & Barrett Skin Hair and Nails Formula (£10.29, 60 caplets). To deal with dry skin, use a barrier cream; Weleda Skin Food (£10.95, 75ml; weleda.co.uk).

Trembling hands

What trembling hands could mean

Dr Denning says, ‘A neurological disorder, essential tremor (ET) affects 4% of adults [aged 40-plus].’ If it becomes severe, it can interfere with everyday activities, such as lifting a teacup or drinking from a glass.

Lumps on fingers

What lumps on your fingers could mean

Hard, bony nodules around the finger joints are a common sign of osteoarthritis.

‘They can run in families, are more common in women and are often found in manual workers and people who use their hands a lot, such as typists and knitters,’ says Dr Denning. The lumps aren’t painful but, by the time they occur, osteoarthritis has usually progressed and is causing pain and stiffness, so you might want to consult your GP about them.

What to do about lumps on your fingers

There’s no specific therapy for these nodules, but exercise, and/or physiotherapy to keep painful, stiff fingers moving, eating a healthy diet (Mediterranean is good) and losing weight, if needed, are the mainstays of osteoarthritis treatment.

Red, white and blue fingers

What red, white and blue fingers could mean

Fingers that turn white, blue and then red, accompanied by pins and needles and numbness, are a sign of Raynaud’s disease, in which blood flow to the fingers is restricted. The exact cause is unknown but it often runs in families. While often just a nuisance, Raynaud’s can be linked to serious auto-immune conditions such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.

What to do about red, white or blue fingers

Avoiding the cold, wearing gloves, using hand-warmers and reducing stress can all ease Raynaud’s. Omega-3 fatty acids (also found in oily fish), evening primrose oil, vitamin B3 and magnesiumsupplements could be beneficial. In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe a drug that increases blood flow to the extremities. Scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus can affect multiple organs and often need specialist treatment.

Rough, itchy hands

What rough, itchy hands could mean

Rough, dry, itchy skin that doesn't heal, no matter how much hand cream you apply, can be a sign of eczema. In severe cases, skin may become red, flaky, blistered and cracked. Skin often becomes dryer and more eczema-prone as we age. And other conditions such as diabetes, kidney and/or thyroid problems, over washing, irritation from household or garden products, central heating, low humidity and iron deficiency can all exacerbate it.

What to do about rough, itchy hands

Keep hands moisturized, use a barrier cream and/or wear gloves for household chores and gardening. In mild cases, the pharmacist can advise on suitable moisturisers and mild steroids (e.g. 1% hydrocortisone). For more severe cases the doctor may want to do a patch test to check for specific allergens and prescribe medications. These may include a variety of topical creams and ointments and stronger steroids.

Tingling or numb hands

What tingling or numb hands could mean

Pins and needles, numbness and sometimes a loss of strength in your hand can be a sign of repetitive strain injury (RSI), caused by keyboard work and other repetitive tasks. Other symptoms include throbbing, pain or tenderness. The arms, neck and shoulders may also be affected.

What to do about tingling or numb hands

Your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist who can suggest exercises to help you regain strength and mobility in your hands as well as advise on pain relief. Other treatments can include massage, acupressure and acupuncture. Steroid injections may be an option if there is inflammation.

Thickening of the palm

What thickening of the palms could mean

Thickening palms is a classic symptom of Dupuytren’s contracture, when the tendon sheaths of the fingers in the palm of the hand develop cord-like thickening. It is more common in the ring or little finger and can result in the finger curling into the palm. "It often runs in families but may be caused by excess alcohol intake, diabetes, epilepsy, cirrhosis or an injury to the hand," explains Dr Denning.

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The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, medical or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.